Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) provide families in Arizona with financial support to pursue education options tailored to their children’s unique needs. Circle City ABA is here to help families navigate ESA funding and access high-quality ABA therapy services. This guide outlines fundamental information about ESAs and how you can leverage them to support your child’s education and therapy needs.
What is an Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)?
An Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) is a state-funded account administered by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to provide financial assistance to eligible Arizona students. The ESA covers 90% of the state funding that would typically go to the school district or charter school for the student. Parents who accept ESA funding agree to provide an education that includes reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies, and science.
ESA funds can be used for various educational expenses, including:
- Specialized therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Private school tuition
- Home education
- Educational curriculum
- Tutoring services
By offering these options, ESAs give parents the flexibility to choose the best education and therapy plans for their child’s development.
For more information, visit the Arizona Department of Education ESA webpage.
Eligibility for Empowerment Scholarship Account
To qualify for an ESA, students must meet specific eligibility requirements. While there are 12 different categories, the ones that may apply to families seeking ABA therapy include:
- Universal students in grades kindergarten through 12
- Students with a disability who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, or other qualifying documents
- Students of active-duty military parents or those who have died in the line of duty
- Siblings of current or previous ESA account recipients
- Students residing within the boundary of an Indian Reservation, such as those near our Scottsdale location
- Students with parents who are legally blind, deaf, or hard of hearing
For a detailed list of eligibility criteria, visit the Eligibility Requirements & Application page.
ESA Funding and How to Apply
ESA funding is designed to help families cover the costs of educational services and specialized therapies. Each student’s funding amount varies depending on their grade level and specific needs. You can review the ESA funding chart for the 2022-2023 academic year here.
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are currently being accepted and processed within 30 days. To start your application or learn more about the process, visit the Arizona Department of Education ESA Application page.
Navigating the ESA Process with ClassWallet
Once approved for ESA funding, families must use ClassWallet, a platform for managing and paying for educational services. This user-friendly system makes it easy to track and submit payments for services like ABA therapy.
Learn more about how to use ClassWallet by visiting the ClassWallet Information page.
ESA Guidelines for Families
It’s essential to understand your responsibilities as an ESA account holder. Parents must sign a contract agreeing to provide education in core subjects like reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science. You can use ESA funding for various educational services, and tracking proper usage ensures your family complies with Arizona ESA guidelines.
For more detailed information, consult the ESA Parent Handbook for 2023-2024.
How Circle City ABA Can Help
Our team is here to guide you through the ESA process and provide personalized, evidence-based therapy to help your child thrive. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our ABA therapy services, please contact Circle City ABA today.
Contact Circle City ABA for ABA Therapy Services in Arizona
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family and help your child succeed. You can reach out to our Arizona locations by visiting Circle City ABA’s website or calling our Arizona Admissions team at 602-767-7942.
